1. family and parenting
2. motherhood
3. pregnancy

Suite 5 Level 5, 55 Victoria Parade
Wyndham Specialist Care Centre
Fitzroy, VIC 3065
289 Princess Hwy, Werribee, VIC 3030
Phone: (03) 94156077 Fax: (03) 94156277
Phone: (03) 9741 9300 Fax: (03) 9741 9377
Email: [email protected]
ABN: 18 925 090 592
Web: drboskishah.com.au
ANTENATAL TESTS AND PROCEDURES
Antenatal screen
This is a routine selection of tests, which are performed in the first few months of the pregnancy
in all patients. There is a blood test and a urine test. The blood test checks for your blood group
and any unusual blood group antibodies, full blood count (to check for anaemia), rubella
immunity (German Measles) and a check for hepatitis B and syphilis, Hepatitis C and HIV. The
urine test is checking for bacteria in your urine. Your GP might have ordered some tests, the rest
will be ordered by Dr Shah at your first visit.
Down's syndrome testing
This is an optional test, which is offered to all pregnant women. Its purpose is to check for the
risk of Down’s Syndrome. It is done between 11 and 14 weeks gestation. You will have received
written information about this test at the time of your initial visit. The decision to have this test or
not is a personal one. The test comprises of two components, a blood test & an ultrasound. The
test result is shown as a figure which tells your baby's risk of having Down's syndrome. It is a
screening test only which means that if the risk is high, you will be offered a confirmatory test
(amniocentesis or CVS). Both the confirmatory tests are invasive. They have a small risk of
miscarraige and therefore will be offered only to the patients who have high risk of having
genetic abnormalities.
Ultrasound
A detailed ultrasound examination of the pregnancy is recommended at around 19 weeks
gestation. The main purpose of this examination is to ensure as far as possible that your baby is
developing normally. It is not possible to identify all abnormalities on ultrasound, but more than
50% of significant abnormalities will be identified.
Further ultrasound examinations
The above two ultrasound examinations are the only ones that are routinely offered. Sometimes
indications arise to perform additional ultrasounds. This will be fully explained if required.
Glucose Test
It is recommended that all pregnant women be checked for pregnancy (gestational) diabetes. This
usually does not have any symptoms. A blood test is performed between 24 and 28 weeks
gestation. Fasting is not required for this test. The pathology staff will give you a drink which
contains a standardized amount of glucose (it is sweet!). Your blood test is then performed 1 hour
after this drink. You will be contacted if this test is elevated, as you will require a further 2-hour
test. Your haemoglobin will be checked at the same time to ensure you are not becoming
anaemic.
Suite 5 Level 5, 55 Victoria Parade
Wyndham Specialist Care Centre
Fitzroy, VIC 3065
289 Princess Hwy, Werribee, VIC 3030
Phone: (03) 94156077 Fax: (03) 94156277
Phone: (03) 9741 9300 Fax: (03) 9741 9377
Email: [email protected]
ABN: 18 925 090 592
Web: drboskishah.com.au
Group B Strep (GBS)
This is a bacteria which commonly occurs in the vagina. It occasionally causes serious infection
in the newborn. Dr Shah will request a swab test on all pregnant women at 36 weeks visit. If the
swab is positive, you will be treated with antibiotics during labor to reduce the chances of
infection to baby.
Pap smear
If your Pap smear is due it will usually performed at the time of the 6-week postnatal check up. It
is sometimes performed during the first half of pregnancy if there is a specific reason to do so.
Urine Testing
Urine testing used to be performed on all pregnant women at each checkup. Recent studies have
demonstrated this to be unnecessary for the majority of women. The purpose of testing urine is to
check for changes, which may occur in association with a pregnancy disorder called preeclampsia. Under some circumstances, testing of urine is necessary. You will be advised if this
applies to your pregnancy.
Induction of Labour
It is generally preferable for labour to begin spontaneously rather than by artificial induction.
However, circumstances may arise whereby induction is a better option than continuing the
pregnancy. The commonest reason for this is being overdue. In an otherwise normal and healthy
pregnancy, induction will usually be considered at some time at or after the completion of 41
weeks gestation. Individual circumstances, of course, need to be considered in making this
decision.
Suite 5 Level 5, 55 Victoria Parade
Wyndham Specialist Care Centre
Fitzroy, VIC 3065
289 Princess Hwy, Werribee, VIC 3030
Phone: (03) 94156077 Fax: (03) 94156277
Phone: (03) 9741 9300 Fax: (03) 9741 9377
Email: [email protected]
ABN: 18 925 090 592
Web: drboskishah.com.au
SPECIAL FOOD CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PREGNANT
Listeria Infection (Listeriosis) can be dangerous
Listeria is a type of bacteria, which can be found in some foods. It causes few or no symptoms in
healthy people, but can be very dangerous to pregnant women and babies. Hormonal changes
during pregnancy have an effect on the mother’s immune system that makes the mother more
vulnerable to Listeria. Listeria, although rare, can be transmitted to an unborn baby, and may lead
to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth. Listeria is destroyed by conventional cooking, but
can grow in refrigerated food. Ideally, eat only freshly cooked food and well-washed freshly
prepared fruit and vegetables. Leftovers can be eaten if they are refrigerated promptly and kept no
longer than a day. It is important not to eat food if there is any doubt about its hygienic
preparation or storage.
The following mostly chilled, ready to eat foods should be avoided altogether:
Soft cheese such as brie, camembert and ricotta - safe if cooked hot.
Cold meats and pate.
Avoiding ‘ready to eat’ foods such as unpasteurised dairy products, pates, meatloaf
products (such as pre-sliced chicken loaf), cooked diced chicken (as used in sandwich
shops), uncooked smoked seafood, smoked shellfish, previously prepared coleslaw and
salads (this is especially important if they have been stored in the fridge for more than 24
hours), prepared salads.
Raw seafood such as oysters, sashimi, smoked salmon or oysters (canned oysters are
safe).
Nutritious diet
For your health and that of your baby during pregnancy, it is important you select a nutritious
diet from a wide variety of food such as vegetables, fruits, dairy foods, bread, cereals, pasta, lean
meat, fish, eggs, and nuts.
Folate is important in the early stages
Folate is a B vitamin needed for healthy growth and development. A baby’s growth is most rapid
in the first weeks of life - often before you even know you are pregnant. Folate is especially
important for women at least one month before pregnancy and for the first three months of
pregnancy to help prevent birth abnormalities like spina-bifida in babies.
Experts recommend women of childbearing age should aim for 400 micrograms (ìg) each day. If
you are planning to become pregnant, you should take a daily folic acid supplement of at least
500 micrograms (ìg). You should continue to take the supplement until the 12th week of your
pregnancy. The tablet form of folate is called folic acid and is available from pharmacies. If you
have a family history of neural tube defects, if you are taking antiepileptic medicines or if you
have diabetes, you should seek specific advice.
You should also eat a wide range of foods that are naturally rich in folate, such as fresh fruits and
green vegetables, or foods fortified with folate. It is easy to find out how much folate is in
packaged foods by looking at the nutrition information panel on food packages.
Suite 5 Level 5, 55 Victoria Parade
Wyndham Specialist Care Centre
Fitzroy, VIC 3065
289 Princess Hwy, Werribee, VIC 3030
Phone: (03) 94156077 Fax: (03) 94156277
Phone: (03) 9741 9300 Fax: (03) 9741 9377
Email: [email protected]
ABN: 18 925 090 592
Web: drboskishah.com.au
Food safety
Food safety is also very important. This information will help you make safe decisions when
selecting and preparing food for yourself and/or your family. Fish are rich in protein and
minerals, low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are important
for the development of the central nervous system in babies, before and after they are born.
Nevertheless, eating too much of a good thing when you are a soon-to-be mum or breastfeeding
can be bad. That is because some fish contain mercury levels that may harm an unborn baby or
young child’s developing nervous system.
The following table will help you safely include fish as an important part of a balanced diet.
Servings
* Type of seafood
1 serve per week only
Orange Roughy (Sea Perch) or Catfish & NO other fish that
week
OR
1 serve per fortnight only
Shark (Flake) or Billfish (Swordfish, Broadbill or Marlin) and
NO other fish that fortnight
OR
2-3 serves per week
Any other fish and seafood
(Source FSANZ)
*Serving sizes
• for women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, 1 serve = 150 grams
• for children up to 6 years, 1 serve = 75 grams
Safe handling of food
Preventing food-borne illness is always important, but especially during pregnancy when
hormonal changes suppresses a woman’s immune system, which can make it harder to fight off
infections. This can adversely affect the mother and unborn child. Listed below are some key
things to remember to help ensure the safety of food you eat.
Food safety tips
Keep cold food cold (below 5°C) and hot food hot (above 60°C). The bacteria that
commonly cause food poisoning grow very well between 5°C and 60°C. Keep cold foods
in the fridge until you are ready to serve, and serve hot foods steaming hot.
Cook food thoroughly. Cook poultry, minced meats, sausages and other pre-prepared
meats until well done, right through to the centre. No pink should be left visible. Avoid
medium rare steaks or runny eggs.
Thoroughly wash all raw vegetables before eating them.
Wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling food.
Observe the ‘Use by’ and ‘Best by’ instructions on refrigerated foods.
Suite 5 Level 5, 55 Victoria Parade
Wyndham Specialist Care Centre
Fitzroy, VIC 3065
289 Princess Hwy, Werribee, VIC 3030
Phone: (03) 94156077 Fax: (03) 94156277
Phone: (03) 9741 9300 Fax: (03) 9741 9377
Email: [email protected]
ABN: 18 925 090 592
Web: drboskishah.com.au
Separate raw and cooked food and don’t use the same utensils, especially cutting boards
and knives, for both.
Keep utensils and kitchen clean.
MATERNAL WEIGHT
Weight gain in pregnancy, if excessive, may impact on your comfort and mobility in later
pregnancy as well as your longer-term health. Assessment of ideal weight gain in pregnancy is
best based on a woman’s pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI, a measure of height in relation to
weight). In general, leaner women are advised to gain more pregnancy related weight, and
heavier women are advised to gain less.
Recommended target weight gains in pregnancy are as follows:
BMI before pregnancy Recommended Weight Gain
<20 (low)
12-18kg
20-26 (normal)
11-15kg
26-29 (high)
7-11kg
>29 (overweight)
7kg or less
Suite 5 Level 5, 55 Victoria Parade
Wyndham Specialist Care Centre
Fitzroy, VIC 3065
289 Princess Hwy, Werribee, VIC 3030
Phone: (03) 94156077 Fax: (03) 94156277
Phone: (03) 9741 9300 Fax: (03) 9741 9377
Email: [email protected]
ABN: 18 925 090 592
Web: drboskishah.com.au
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Vaginal bleeding
If the bleeding is heavy (heavier than a period), you should seek advice straight away unless you
have been advised otherwise. If you are less than 20 weeks contact Dr Shah directly. If you are,
more than 20 weeks contact the hospital. Lighter amounts of bleeding if not accompanied by
abdominal pain should be reviewed on the next working day. If there is pain, contact either Dr
Shah or the hospital as above.
Thrush
Vaginal thrush or Candida is a common pregnancy problem. It causes a vaginal/vulval itch and
sometimes a white/yellowish discharge. It is safe to treat it with Canesten vaginal cream or
pessaries. If you are using a vaginal cream it needs to be used with the applicator otherwise the
treatment will be ineffective. Because pregnancy hormones suppress your immunity, it is
common to get recurrent infections. If you do, you may need repeated treatment courses.
Heartburn or Indigestion
This can be safely and effectively treated with any of the over the counter preparations. Follow
the manufacturer instructions regarding dose and frequency. Mylanta, Gaviscon & Gastrogel are
common medications used during pregnancy which are safe during pregnancy. If you do get
heartburn, you should avoid spicy food, smoking & big meal just before going to bed. If you
wish, you could use antireflux pillows. Elevating head end of the bed with wooden blocks or
bricks also work in the same way. If you are still troubled by heartburn, let Dr Shah know. She
will write a prescription for antireflux medications.
Constipation
If untreated, is likely to lead to abdominal discomfort and hemorrhoids. Dietary measures are the
best first steps i.e. increase fluid intake and dietary fibre (fruit, vegetables, cereals). If this is
ineffective, a bulk laxative such as Metamucil or Fybogel will usually work. Other laxatives such
as Normacol, Senokot, Coloxyl are also perfectly safe if required. Suppositories and enemas can
also be used if necessary.
Haemorrhoids
These are enlarged veins at the entrance of the anus. They occur commonly in late pregnancy and
improve dramatically afterwards. Sometimes they cause no problems at all; occasionally they are
uncomfortable or even exquisitely painful. Constipation should be avoided. Any of the over the
counter haemorrhoid preparations (e.g. Proctosedyl or Rectinol) are perfectly safe to use in
pregnancy and will usually assist with the discomfort. If severe pain occurs, an ice pack will often
help.
Suite 5 Level 5, 55 Victoria Parade
Wyndham Specialist Care Centre
Fitzroy, VIC 3065
289 Princess Hwy, Werribee, VIC 3030
Phone: (03) 94156077 Fax: (03) 94156277
Phone: (03) 9741 9300 Fax: (03) 9741 9377
Email: [email protected]
ABN: 18 925 090 592
Web: drboskishah.com.au
Fetal Movements (FM)
Movements vary greatly from pregnancy to pregnancy. In a first pregnancy, FM will often be first
noticed between 18 and 22 weeks. In general, FM are felt earlier in second and subsequent
pregnancies compared with first. From approximately 26 weeks, you should notice your baby
move every day. If you do not feel any movements on a given day, sit down somewhere quiet for
20 minutes and have something cold to drink. You will probably feel the baby move during this
time. If it does not, you should contact Dr Shah who may advise you to attend to have the baby’s
wellbeing assessed. There will usually be no cause for concern but it is something which should
always be checked.
Cold or Flu
These common respiratory infections do not pose any significant concerns for the wellbeing of
your pregnancy. If you have a fever, you should treat it with paracetamol, 2 tablets every four
hours (maximum 8 per day) and drink plenty of fluids. If fever persists more than 48 hours, seek
advice from your GP. Otherwise, symptom relief is all that may be required. Safe options are
included on the safe medications list.
SAFE MEDICATIONS IN PREGNANCY
Pain relief: Paracetamol +/- codeine e.g. Panadol or Panadeine or equivalent
Cough suppressant: Benadryl or Duratuss
Constipation: all laxatives safe. Try Metamucil or Fybogel first
Heartburn: all antacids safe e.g. Mylanta, Gaviscon, Rennie
Vaginal thrush: vaginal creams and pessaries all safe e.g. Canestan, Nilstat, Monistat
Haemorrhoids: all creams safe e.g. Proctocedyl, Rectinol
Antihistamines: older ones are known to be safe e.g. Polaramine, Phenergan
Throat lozenges: all safe e.g. Strepsils, Difflam
Iron tablets: all safe but may cause constipation
Vitamin supplements: Elevit or Blackmores pregnancy & breastfeeding
Antibiotics: Amoxil, Keflex commonly prescribed and are safe.
Nasal sprays: temporary relief of congestion e.g. Saline, Sinex, Drixine
Dermatitis/skin rashes: hydrocortisone cream e.g. Sigmacort
Dental/minor surgical procedures: local anaesthetic is safe
Other medications: if in doubt or concerned phone us to check